7 Ways You Can Conserve Energy in the Colder Months

Did you know that oftentimes, our heating and cooling systems account for almost half of our total annual energy costs? That means during the colder months, when you're cranking up the heat to combat that winter chill, the money you spend on utilities can rise dramatically. Not to mention the negative impact on the environment!

But never fear—there are several ways that you can stay warm this winter to conserve energy without breaking the bank.

1.) Find and seal any leaks. The first step to cutting down your electric bill is tackling any leaks that you can find throughout your home. Use caulk for stationary items like window frames and weatherstripping for the cracks under your doors.

2.) Turn the thermostat down at night. Because you’ll be curled up under a mound of blankets during the night, you won’t need the thermostat set super high. Before you hit the hay, turn your thermostat down 10 or so degrees. You can even invest in a smart thermostat that lowers the temperature automatically at a certain time every day.

3.) Switch your ceiling fan’s blade rotation. Did you know that you can change what direction your ceiling fan spins? Hot air rises and if you reverse your fans' blades to rotate in a clockwise direction, it will help push that warmth back down towards you.

4.) Take advantage of sunlight. The sun is a spectacular source of heat! Take advantage of the abundant—and free—warmth by opening your curtains and blinds during the day. Just don’t forget to close them at night so you can prevent any cold chills from cooling your home down again.

5.) Close doors and vents in unused rooms. From guest rooms to storage areas, we all have spaces that we don't use very often. But instead of wasting energy to heat areas of your home that are often uninhabited, close off all the vents and shut the doors. That way you can avoid having to pay extra for any unused space.

6.) Inspect and replace your furnace filter. The beginning of the season is always a good time for basic maintenance of your heating or cooling systems. Before the winter weather arrives in full force, ensure your furnace filters are cleaned and reused or replaced entirely to help make sure your furnace is working properly.

7.) Bundle up! At the end of the day, one of the easiest things you can do to minimize your home’s energy usage in the colder months is by turning down the thermostat and bundling up with a few extra layers. So the next time you’re thinking about turning up the dial a few notches, consider putting on a pair of socks or a cozy sweater instead—it may save you a lot of money in the long run.

Your Ultimate Winter Bucket List

The cool temperatures and snowy forecasts can only mean one thing—winter has officially arrived! While you may think that winter fun ends after the holiday season concludes, there are still so many exciting things you can do over the next few months.

To help you maximize the season, here are some must-do activities that you can try all winter long. How many can you check off your list?

Your 2022 Winter Bucket List:

• Drink hot chocolate

• Make snow angels

• Bake cookies

• Have a snowball fight

• Go ice skating

• Read a wintery book from a local author

• Make snow cream

• Try a new winter sport like skiing or snowshoeing

• Have a movie marathon

• Host a game night

• Buy a new candle

• Bundle up and take a winter walk

• Go sledding

• Roast marshmallows over a fire

• Build a snowman

• Make soup from scratch

• Pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill

Have a great winter!